All-new 2015 Subaru WRX Makes Canadian Debut at Montreal International Auto Show

MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today
introduced Canadian media to the 2015 Subaru WRX, a new version of the
brand's iconic high-performance model, at Le Salon International de
l'auto in Montreal. With its bold new wide-body sedan design and
expanded performance envelope, the 2015 WRX marks a major evolutionary
step from rally-bred performance car towards sports sedan excellence.
Powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged
(DIT) SUBARU BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX debuts its first six-speed
manual transmission. This model also newly adopts an optional
sport-tuned automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic, that offers
smooth shifting as well as an eight-speed manual shift mode with sharp
shifting response. Pricing for the true performance sedan will be
available mid-February and next-generation models will be available in
Subaru showrooms this March.

All-Wheel Drive Sport Performance
Equipped with the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system
built around the SUBARU BOXER engine, the WRX remains the symbol of
Subaru AWD sport performance. For 2015, the Subaru WRX employs a new
Active Torque Vectoring system that supplements the standard AWD
system. This new technology helps make handling more precise, allowing
for improved cornering speeds. As lateral g-forces begin to take hold
in a corner, the system can route power to select wheels, responding to
steering input more immediately and engagingly. In addition, multi-mode
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) has been added for a more precise and
enjoyable driving experience.

Stiffer Chassis and Body
Chassis and body performance has been thoroughly enhanced to give
drivers better control over the SUBARU BOXER engine and Subaru
symmetrical full-time AWD. To this end, the body has been made lighter
and more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements. Working
to stiffen both body and suspension while optimizing suspension
geometry has quickened both vehicle response to driver steering input
as well as raised the performance limits for cornering. Extensive
suspension tuning have resulted in very flat cornering in performance
driving situations as well as a comfortable ride. New electric power
steering is employed with more rigid steering gearbox mounts for
improved fuel economy and a more direct steering feel.

New Engine
The 2015 Subaru WRX is equipped with a new high-performance 2.0-litre
horizontally opposed DIT engine for improved power delivery with an eye
on efficiency. The WRX's new DIT engine boasts improved performance
over the outgoing model, producing a maximum 268 horsepower at 5,600
rpm and 258 lb. ft. of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm while maintaining
a high level of environmental performance.

New Transmission
The 2015 Subaru WRX also represents the first time a manual transmission
has been paired with the DIT SUBARU BOXER engine. A new, optional Sport
Lineartronic transmission is also available. A new six-speed manual
transmission optimizes the gear ratios and shifter throw from the
outgoing five-speed model to keep engine speeds lower, enabling better
fuel economy and quieter driving at high speeds. The newly introduced
Sport Lineartronic transmission draws out the full potential of the
2.0-litre DIT SUBARU BOXER engine in terms of power, torque and
environmental friendliness, allowing for a rewarding driving
experience. In Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), selecting Sport
Sharp (S#) switches to eight-speed shifting. SI-DRIVE's Sport Sharp
mode within Sport Lineartronic emulates traditional shift points to let
drivers feel the WRX's impressive power and performance.

Versatile, yet Stylish
The Subaru WRX from earlier generations remains unrivalled in terms of
character; this next-generation model has further honed its distinctive
character by improving visibility and useable space. The wheelbase has
been enlarged by 25 millimetres in order to improve rear legroom and
give the 2015 version more elbow and shoulder room without increasing
total body width. The bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended 200
millimetres towards the front, while the mounting of side mirrors on
the front door panels have added a new quarter window and keep the
dashboard and window sills lower, all for better visibility and sleek
styling. The front and rear door openings have also been enlarged,
making ingress and egress much easier. New 60/40-split folding rear
seats, along with a larger opening, have expanded trunk space for
greater versatility.

Exterior Changes
Befitting of a true sports sedan, the 2015 Subaru WRX presents itself as
an AWD performance car with aggressive yet refined styling. The front
end now offers a dynamic, solid shape with a nose cone design,
hexagonal front grille and new hawk-eye headlights paired with the
aggressive wide and low styling the WRX is known for. Front fender
ducts and special sharp side sill spoilers show off the sporty nature
of the WRX. The rear design further enhances the WRX's appeal. A
diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual mufflers emphasize the low
centre of gravity. A shark fin antenna adds further refinement. New
17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in gunmetal grey are lighter and more
rigid.

Three Trim Levels Offer a New Level of Refinement
Subaru will offer the next-generation 2015 Subaru WRX in three trim
levels: the entry level WRX, WRX Sport Package and WRX Sport-tech
Package. For the 2015 model year, WRX models introduce a new D-shaped
steering wheel with an easy-to-hold grip shape that offers a smaller
diameter for improved operability and tactile feedback. For added
convenience, the steering wheel integrates audio, Bluetooth and cruise
control switches into its new leather-wrapped steering wheel. New
performance-designed seats with high-grip upholstery featuring
contrasting stitching also integrate height- and tilt-adjustable head
restraints. The interior is solid black from roof to floor, save for
its electroluminescent instrument panel gauges with LCD colour display
and red meter lighting, while quality soft-touch materials abound. To
further enhance its performance persona, the 4.3-inch colour
multi-function display is now equipped with a boost pressure display
screen as well as steering wheel-mounted controls to toggle between the
clock, vehicle dynamics monitor, outside temperature and maintenance
reminder.

The WRX Sport Package adds fog lights and a sunroof. New for 2015, the
WRX Sport Package gains LED low-beam headlights, multi-reflector
halogen high beams, a low-profile lip spoiler for the trunk, as well as
an eight-way power driver's seat inside. New welcome lighting
illuminates the headlights, interior lights, licence plate and tail
lights when the vehicle is unlocked using the keyless remote.

The top trim level, the WRX Sport-tech Package, offers brand new
creature comforts in addition to its leather seating. For added
convenience, a new proximity key with push-button start is included on
all Sport-tech Package models. Inside, the Sport-tech Package gains a
Harman Kardon premium nine-speaker system and 440-watt amplifier as
well as an improved voice-activated in-dash GPS navigation system with
6.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/DivX, WMV, MP4,
SMS text messaging capability, Aha radio, XM NAVTraffic (subscription
required), 3.5mm auxiliary jack, USB, Bluetooth mobile phone
connectivity with voice activation and Bluetooth streaming audio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio is also included with a free three-month trial
subscription.

All-Around Safety
Following Subaru's safety philosophy of all-around safety, all areas of
safety performance have been enhanced. With Subaru symmetrical
full-time AWD at its base, active safety was further enriched on the
2015 WRX by making the body lighter as well as improving rigidity and
chassis performance along with the VDC system. All of this gives the
WRX the best hazard avoidance in its class, ensuring the driving
experience is exciting but safe in every scenario. In terms of passive
safety, the all-new WRX employs greater use of high-tensile steel.
While helping to reduce weight, these changes also enable a stronger
body with world-class safety performance in collision tests from the
front, rear and sides. Collision-absorbing material has also been added
in the side engine compartment for increased pedestrian protection.
Like all Subaru models, the 2015 WRX uses the brand's proven
ring-shaped reinforcement frame, which has been shown to excel in the
new small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS). In the cabin, a driver's knee airbag has been added to the
roster of safety features that includes front side pelvis/torso airbags
and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat
coverage.

About Subaru Canada, Inc. Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the
company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories
through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more
information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.